The Big Four

The Big Four refers to Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax, four American thrash metal bands that came up in the early 1980s. Metallica started in Los Angeles in 1981, Slayer formed in Huntington Park, California that same year, Megadeth emerged from Los Angeles in 1983, and Anthrax began in New York City in 1981. They each developed distinct approaches within the thrash sound, from Metallica's raw aggression to Anthrax's politically charged lyrics.

Metallica's early lineup changes included Dave Mustaine's departure in 1983, which led to his founding of Megadeth. The bands faced various challenges, with Slayer dealing with accusations about their imagery and Megadeth's Mustaine working through personal struggles. Anthrax navigated their own legal and financial issues while maintaining their place in the scene.

Their music defined a generation of thrash metal, with songs like Metallica's 'Am I Evil' becoming standards. The Big Four eventually played together in concert years later, acknowledging their shared history without pretending they were ever a formal group. They were just four separate bands that happened to define a sound at the same time.